Venezuelans calm but still divided

April 17, 2002|By Patrice M. Jones, Tribune foreign correspondent.

CARACAS, Venezuela — As merchants swept up debris from their damaged businesses and street vendors crowded the sidewalks, Venezuelans settled into an uneasy calm Tuesday after five days of political chaos that divided the nation.

President Hugo Chavez promised to be a kinder, gentler leader and to begin a "national dialogue" after he was reinstated over the weekend following a brief ouster. But by Tuesday, Chavez had begun to purge top military officers who engineered his removal.

Meanwhile, Venezuelans were raising questions about the more than 60 deaths that occurred during several days when the nation veered toward anarchy.

Defense Minister Jose Vicente Rangel said Gen. Efrain Vasquez, the former general commander of the army who was a key figure in the effort to remove Chavez, was in custody, along with two other army generals and two admirals. Officials said some 80 military officers were in custody. Several others were huddled in embassies seeking asylum.

Chavez also announced several military replacements in an effort to solidify his hold on power.

Pedro Carmona, who was appointed interim president for just one day before the military reversed itself and insisted he step down, was released from detention and placed under house arrest pending possible charges of rebellion and usurping authority.

But even with many of Chavez's enemies detained or in hiding, Venezuela's military and its people were divided.

"If he starts a major purge in the military, it could backfire," said Luis Vicente Leon, a Caracas political analyst. "It could launch another military revolt."

The nation's largest labor union has demanded that Chavez hold a referendum on whether he should remain in power.

Other critics say Chavez should hold new elections.

Chavez's supporters are celebrating his political rebirth.

"They thought they had gotten rid of Chavez, but he is stronger than they expected," said Louise Desvignes, a local tour guide.

"We're encouraged by President Chavez's calls for national reflection," U.S. State Department spokesman Phil Reeker said Monday. "And we urge all Venezuelans to take advantage of this opportunity to promote national reconciliation and a genuine democratic dialogue."

Chavez's critics have noted that the firebrand leader who once led a failed coup in Venezuela has already begun to toughen his rhetoric despite his earlier calls for national reconciliation.

One major issue lingering in the minds of Venezuelans is who will be held responsible for slayings committed just before Chavez's ouster.

Top military officers who rebelled against Chavez said the president's allies were behind the deaths of many of the 16 people killed during a huge protest last Thursday.

Over the weekend, more violence erupted. This time, witnesses said, police backing the interim government opened fire on Chavez supporters in several poor Caracas neighborhoods.

Chavez has quickly investigated these killings, while critics say he has done nothing to investigate the deaths of opposition supporters Thursday.

Local news media reported Tuesday that a radio announcer, a lawyer and government official, who were all connected to Chavez, were arrested after being caught on video firing at protesters during Thursday's melee. But by Tuesday, a judge who said their human rights had been violated released the Chavez supporters.

Chavez's administration also has targeted the national media, which government officials have contended ignored the popular uprising that brought him back to power.